Thread by @EFischberger

𝐈𝐬 𝐐𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐦𝐦𝐲𝐬?

I’ve been trying to understand why @TheEmmys are standing by its nomination of Bisan Owda, an Al Jazeera journalist + member of the PFLP terrorist organization, and I think I might have an idea: It's the sponsors 🧵

As a reminder: Al Jazeera and its US-based subsidiary AJ+ (which created the docuseries along with Bisan), are controlled by the Qatari government.

Among the sponsors for the Emmy Awards shows are the WNBA team New York Liberty and LEGO

theemmys.tv/sponsors/

Both New York Liberty and LEGO have direct commercial relationships with Qatar.

NY Liberty and the Barclays Center (its home arena) are sponsored by Qatar Airways, which provides VIP experiences and branding opportunities at games

LEGO, for its part, has partnered with Qatar's Tourism Ministry for major events, such as "LEGO Shows Qatar 2024," held at the Qatar National Convention Centre.

What stands out here is the integration of LEGO within Qatar's broader tourism and cultural development strategy

The refusal by the Emmys to rescind Bisan Owda's nomination, despite clear proof of her PFLP ties (as seen below), raises questions about Qatar's influence over its sponsors.

https://x.com/EFischberger/status/1817013654715261234?t=xZ1snCsJE65ZiBZ6YGRSCQ&s=19

Qatar’s use of cultural investments and strategic partnerships could be a tool to maintain its favorable global image and deflect criticisms, as done most prominently in 2022 by hosting the World Cup.

Though that wasn't without its "hiccups"

theguardian.com/global-develop…

Given the nature of these relationships, it's plausible that Qatar could've reached out to NY Liberty and LEGO to safeguard their interests.

We must ask outright: Did Qatar ask NY Liberty and LEGO to influence the Emmys to ensure Al Jazeera's nomination? One thing's for certain: